[TexasSP]

First things first for anyone I talk to buying a gun for self defense.

You have to accept the fact that one day you may use this gun to kill someone. You will be taking a life, albeit to protect yours and the lives of those you love, but you will be killing them none the less. I know two people that have killed someone and both cops in the line of duty. While both were right and both know this, it is not easy to deal with. Each person does this differently. My main point is to have you deal with this fact and to understand that if you are not ready to take that life, you have no business owning the gun.

That being said, the suggestions so far are right on, minus the one very naive one.

The remington 870 is a tried and true shotgun and can be found in a variety of different styles. They have a black model with composite stock and short barrel specifically for home defense. The winchester defender is another excellent model.

Me personally I like alternating buck shot with slugs in the chamber. If only one type though buck shot is your best bet.

Definitely get some practice in and get used to your gun. Nice thing about a pump action shotgun is that the sound of you chambering a round is very distinctive. Anyone with half a brain that hears that sound while breaking into your home will run away and not even bother.

Either way, if someone breaks into your home they deserve what's coming. I will not have anyone threaten mine or my families lives like that.